Advancing the Next Generation in Subsea Compression Technology

Aker Solutions and MAN Diesel & Turbo expect to cut the size and weight of subsea compression systems by at least 50% just a year after the first such system successfully went on stream at Statoil’s Åsgard field.

The Åsgard system, which has been running with practically no stops or interruptions in its first year, will help recover an additional 306 million barrels of oil equivalents more cost-effectively, safely and with a smaller environmental footprint than a traditional platform. Aker Solutions delivered the system in close collaboration with partners including MAN and the operator Statoil.

“We’re proud to have played a leading part in developing this groundbreaking technology, which is proving its value as we now mark one year of strong operations since going on stream,” says Hervé Valla, chief technology officer at Aker Solutions. “Together with MAN we’re taking this technology further to deliver slimmer and lower-cost compression systems without compromising on effectiveness.”

Aker Solutions and MAN Diesel & Turbo teamed up in October 2015 to build on their joint experience from Åsgard and their extensive oil and gas industry expertise. The partnership expects to reduce the size and weight of future systems by at least half, greatly lowering investment and installation costs.

“The next generation of subsea compression systems will be based on proven technology and contribute to major improvements in both the recovery rate and lifetime for a number of gas fields,” explains Basil Zweifel, head of Oil & Gas Upstream at MAN Diesel & Turbo in Zurich. “Aker Solutions and MAN will provide reliable compression systems for use at small subsea fields as well as large deposits such as Åsgard.”

Compressors are used to maintain output as reservoir pressure at gas-producing fields drops over time. They are typically installed on platforms above sea level. The two 11.5 MW HOFIM™ motor-compressor-units at Åsgard are the world’s first compressors to be installed and put into operation on the seabed. The technology is based on 25 years of experience with more than 100 machines in operation in gas storage and transport.

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